UN asks for mutual ceasefire in Nepal

Fri, 2005-12-02 14:22  moderator

[b]UN asks for mutual ceasefire in Nepal[/b]

[b]Kathmandu, 02 December, (Asiantribune.com):[/b] A day before the unilateral ceasefire announced on September 3 by Nepal’s Maoists for three months lapses, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) has urged for a mutual ceasefire by Maoists as well as King Gyanendra’s government.

The unilateral ceasefire declared by the Maoists lapses on December 3.

In a statement issued here Thursday, UNHCR has expressed serious concern about the "possible resumption of full-scale armed conflict in Nepal, as well as about increasing violations of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly".

"A mutual ceasefire between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the government of King Gyanendra and steps towards lasting peace are crucial to bring to an end a period of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by both the Maoists and the State", High Commissioner Louise Arbour has said in the statement.